Is Your Job Killing Your Back?

In a recent survey, 653,400 Americans reported work-related back injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. No doubt many more injuries went unreported, says Marie Haring Sweeney, Ph.D., senior epidemiologist for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

According to Sweeney, nurses and heavy-industry workers rank among the highest in reports of occupational back pain.

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Sprains (affecting the muscles) and strains (affecting the ligaments) make up more than 80 percent of all work-related injuries. Unsafe motions like twisting or bending at the waist are the leading causes of injury.

But merely sitting for long periods of time is a major culprit. Sitting — especially slouching — puts continuous pressure on lower-back muscles and disks, and looking up and down from computers can strain the upper back. Vehicular vibrations add additional stress to the backs of those whose work involves driving long distances.

As for all the salesclerks, dental hygienists, cashiers, hairdressers, and tollbooth operators who must stand in one position for an extended period, they are definitely stressing their spine and lower back, especially if they are standing on hard surfaces.